Jackson, Miss., Sep 13, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- St. John Catholic School principle William Devine hopes the community festival this past weekend has helped drum up support for Jackson-area Catholic schools.
"We want to bring the community together behind faith-based education, and by promoting it through the festival we can share something fun with the community,” Devine told reporter Jaclyn Roeschke.

Devine served as event chairman of the second Family Fall Festival. About 750 volunteers from the nine parishes and two Catholic schools were involved in organizing the three-day event, which was held from Friday to Sunday on the grounds of St. John’s School.

The festival included a carnival with more than 20 rides, casino games, a craft tent and bingo. About 30,000 people were expected to visit throughout the weekend. Entrance was free, but visitors paid for the rides and food.

Organizers said the proceeds would be split between the schools and parishes.